System and method for holding imaging plates and/or delivering imaging plates to an imaging system

ABSTRACT

A cassette tray for use with an imaging system includes a plurality of sides that have a through slot, and a bottom surface that includes a plurality of slots sized to receive a respective plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within the plurality of slots, and a second plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of lift arms. A platform is provided that includes a same plurality of sides as the cassette tray, and a same first plurality of slots as the bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots of the bottom surface. The platform is positioned within the cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms. A plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the plurality of sides of the platform, are sized to fit in the through slots, to facilitate movement of the platform within the cassette.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for utilizing a cassette cart and tray used in connection with, for example, Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imaging systems.

2. Background Description

Automating the printing process in Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imaging systems involves the alternating process of extracting plate sheet material, and then interleaf sheet material, from a material stack. Images are exposed on the plate sheet material, and the interleaf sheet material is used to protect the imaging surface of plate sheets from each other.

Interleaf sheets, though varying from manufacturer to manufacturer in material characteristics such as smoothness, porosity, and color, are generally paper-like with a thickness of about 0.003 inches. Plate sheet material typically varies in thickness from 0.005 inches to 0.014 inches.

Extracting the plate sheets and interleaf sheets manually is labor intensive, but normally does not present other issues or challenges. Plate sheets and/or interleaf sheets may be automatically removed by using, for example, a “pick and drag approach” that generally includes precise plate lifting at a controlled rate and height, air blowing to create an air cushion between the bottom of the plate and top of the slipsheet, static brushes, and air ionization to help neutralize static. All these events can vary in time and intensity depending on the plate dimensions (length, width, and thickness) and/or the height needed to lift and clear the inherent cassette containment wall depth.

Plate sheet cassettes typically hold approximately 60 plates and slipsheets. If a plate is 0.012 inches thick and a slipsheet is 0.003 inches thick, this amounts to a relatively shallow depth to overcome when picking up plates and slipsheets that are located toward the bottom of the cassette. However, even within this relatively shallow range of depth, the events can be numerous and complex, as described above. I have determined that the “pick and drag approach,” for example, becomes even more challenging and less reliable when plate sheets and interleaf sheets are extracted from a deeper (higher capacity) cassette. I have determined, therefore, that a system such as a cassette cart and tray that holds plate sheets that can, for example, keep plate sheets at a constant height as they are removed from the tray would facilitate removing plate sheets and interleaf sheets from a cassette.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imaging systems and, more particularly, to systems and methods for enabling the top of the plate/interleaf stack height to remain relatively close to the opening of the cassette tray to maintain or substantially maintain the same pick-up mechanism lift height.

One or more embodiments of the present invention allow the top of the plate sheet/interleaf sheet stack height to remain relatively close to the opening of the cassette to minimize and maintain the same or substantially the same pick-up mechanism lift height. An entire stack of imaging plates and alternating interleaf sheets are thus raised as they are removed from the top of the cassette, to keep the top imaging plate within the stack at a same or substantially same position as imaging plates are removed from the stack. Embodiments of the present invention thus advantageously simplify removing a plate sheet from a cassette, since successively removed imaging plates will be at a same or substantially same height, and will thus not have to be lifted increasing amounts to clear cassette walls.

One or more embodiments of the present invention also advantageously maintain the ability of the image cassette cart to be separable from the lift mechanism and imaging system, while retaining its light tight feature. Additional features include provision for allowing for varying size plates/slipsheets, detection of a presence quantity of imaging plates, and adjustment capabilities.

In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a mobile cart assembly, and a cassette tray adapted for use with the mobile cart assembly. The cassette tray includes a plurality of sides, with each side having a through slot, and a bottom surface that has a first plurality of slots sized to receive a respective plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within the plurality of slots, and a second plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of lift arms.

In addition, the cassette has a platform that has a same plurality of sides as the cassette tray, and a same first plurality of slots as the bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots of the bottom surface. The platform is positioned within the cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms. A plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the plurality of sides of the platform, sized to fit in the through slots, facilitate movement of the platform within the cassette tray.

The apparatus can also have a first door that contacts at least two of the plurality of sides, and covers at least a portion of the platform. The first door can slide in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the cart assembly to respectively expose and cover at least a portion of the platform.

The apparatus can have a second door that contacts at least one of the plurality of sides, and covers at least a portion of the platform. The second door can rotate about an axis in a first direction and a second direction to respectively expose and cover at least a portion of the platform.

The cassette tray can have a plurality of rails that contact a first side of the platform to facilitate insertion and removal of the cassette tray into and out of the cart assembly. The cassette tray can also have a plurality of detents that contact the first side of the platform. The plurality of detents can be used to facilitate positioning of the cassette cart with respect to an imaging system.

The cassette tray can also have a plurality of support bars that contact a first side of the platform. At least one of the plurality of guide blocks can be coupled to each of the plurality of support bars. In addition, a plurality of support bars can contact a first side of the platform. Each of the plurality of support bars can have at least one guide block. In addition, a first side of the platform can have coupled or affixed thereto a plurality of support covers respectively positioned to contact the plurality of lift arms.

A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes providing a cassette tray, adapted for use with the mobile cart assembly, that has a plurality of sides with through slots, and a bottom surface that has a first plurality of slots sized to receive a respective plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within the plurality of slots, and a second plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of lift arms.

A platform is provided that has a same plurality of sides as the cassette tray, and a same first plurality of slots as the bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots of the bottom surface. The platform is positioned within the cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms.

A plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the plurality of sides of the platform, are provided that are sized to fit in the through slots, to facilitate movement of the platform within the cassette.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description including the description of preferred structures as embodying features of embodiments of the invention will be best understood when read in reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imaging system, also showing an exemplary docking interface for a imaging cassette cart.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart that is removed from the imaging system.

FIG. 2B shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart that interfaces with the imaging system.

FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of the cassette in which slots are provided in the bottom surface of the cassette to allow lift mechanism arms to protrude therethrough.

FIG. 3B shows two tracks on a side of the bottom surface of the cassette, which can be used to align the cassette within the cart.

FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of the cart subassembly portion of the imaging cassette cart.

FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of the cart subassembly portion of the imaging cassette cart in which a fifth castor is provided.

FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of a platform that can be raised and lowered with the cassette.

FIG. 5B is an embodiment of the platform that has a stiffener bar and supports.

FIG. 6A shows the imaging cassette cart with top doors in a closed position.

FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart in which a door can be moved to an open position to allow user access to the cassette.

FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart in which the cassette is accessed to load or unload plate sheets.

FIG. 7B shown an alternative view of the imaging cassette cart.

FIG. 7C shows an embodiment of the cassette that has slots within the side walls of the cassette.

FIG. 7D shows an embodiment of the cassette that has a plate sheet on the platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1, generally at 100, is a perspective view of a Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imaging system, also showing an exemplary docking interface 102 for a imaging cassette cart, which is shown in FIG. 2, generally at 200. Apparatus 104 can be used to remove interleaf sheets (not shown) from plate sheets 106, remove plate sheets 106 from interleaf sheets, and/or transport plate sheets 106 to input shelf 108. Apparatus 104 can use a “pick and drag” approach to remove plate sheets 106 and any associated interleaf sheets. When plate sheets 106 are received at input shelf 108, imaging system 100 generally utilizes one or more lasers to perform plate sheet 106 imaging in a standard manner.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200 that is removed from imaging system 100. FIG. 2B an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200 that interfaces with imaging system 100. The sides of docking interface 102 mate with an inside portion of imaging cassette cart 200 in a standard manner such as, for example, described in connection with FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of cassette 300 in which slots 302 a-d are provided in bottom surface 303 of cassette 300 for lift mechanism arms (not shown) to protrude through. application Ser. No. ______, filed Apr. 25, 2005, entitled System and Method for Positioning Imaging Plates Within a Cassette Tray, by inventor Chang J. Yee, discloses exemplary lift mechanism arms, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Lift mechanism arms are used to raise and lower platform 520 within cassette 300 as described, for example, in connection with FIG. 5A. Cassette 300 can slide into and out of image cassette cart 200 and, in conjunction with platform 520 described in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B, be used to hold plate sheets 106 and any associated interleaf sheets (not shown). Adjustable plate stops 304 a-c are respectively shown in slots 306 a-c to accommodate various plate sheet 106 sizes. Plate stops 304 a-c may also be moved for use in conjunction with slots 306 d-f. Abrasive (e.g., velcro) surface strips 308 a-c are shown along the inside of wall 310 to aid in plate separation during the automated plate removal sequence. For example, as a top plate sheet 106 is removed from a stack of plate sheets, strips 308 a-c can be used to hold in place plate sheets below the top plate sheet that is to be removed, so that the lower plate sheets are also not lifted from the stack. Wear strips 702 a-c (shown in FIG. 7C) may be attached to wall 312 to reduce wear from the upward sliding motion of a stack of plate sheets 106.

FIG. 3B shows the bottom side 303 a of bottom surface 303 in which two tracks 314 a, 314 b can be used to align cassette 300, a member of imaging cassette cart 200, over docking interface 102. For example, track 314 a, 314 b can be used to respectively mate with rollers 110 a, 110 b and 110 c, 110 d shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2A, tracks 314 a, 314 b can respectively mate with guide rails 204 a, 204 b and 204 c, 204 d shown in FIG. 2A. Tracks 314 a, 314 b can be positioned substantially parallel to each other, respectively along slots 302 a, 302 d and 302 b, 302 c. Detents 316 a-b (e.g., vee-block detents) allow for positive cassette 300 position when cart 200 interfaces with imaging system 100 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of subassembly portion 402 of imaging cassette cart 200. Subassembly portion 402 includes handle 404, shelf 406, and castors 408 a-d. Handle 404 and castors 408 a-d enable imaging cassette cart 200 to be moved (e.g., pushed and/or pulled) to interface with CTP imaging system 100. Subassembly portion 402 also includes sides 410 a, 410 b, which can be held together by transverse member 412, transverse member 414, and transverse member 418.

FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of subassembly portion 402 in which a fifth castor 408 e is provided. Castor 408 e can be coupled or attached to support shelf 416 to provide additional stability. Shims 420 a-d can respectively be provided, for example, to change the overall height of cart subassembly 402 (and thus imaging cassette cart 200) to allow proper positioning of imaging cassette cart 200 relative to CTP imaging system 100.

In particular, shim 420 d is positioned between side 410 a and L-shaped transverse member 418. The thickness of shim 420 d can be varied to raise or lower imaging cassette cart 200. Multiple shims (not shown) of a same or varying thickness may also be used to achieve desired height of imaging cassette cart 200. Of course, shims do not need to be utilized if imaging cassette cart 200 is at a desired height without them. Securing bracket 422 d can be used to secure shim 420 d in place. Securing brackets 422 a-c and shims 420 a-c can be respectively configured in a same or similar manner as shim 420 d to achieve a desired height of imaging cassette cart 200.

FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of platform 520, which is placed into cassette 300. Bottom surface 303 has slots 302 a-d, whereas platform 520 does not have slots 302 a-d. Bottom surface 303 has slots 302 a-d so that lifting arms (not shown) can protrude through slots 302 a-d, and raise and lower platform 520 within cassette 300, to keep plate sheets 106 at a same height as they are removed from a stack of plate sheets 106 within cassette 300.

On platform 520, guide blocks 502 a-d are located, for example, at or near the center of each side of platform 520. Guide blocks 502 a-d can respectively slide inside through slots 704 a, 704 b shown in FIG. 7C (only two through slots 704 a, 704 b are shown in FIG. 7C, although there would be one through slot on each side of the four walls of cassette 300) to provide a path for platform 520 to move in. This allows the outer walls 504 a-d of platform 520 to not make contact, or reduce contact, with the inner walls (e.g. walls 310, 312) of cassette 300, thereby facilitating the raising and lowering of platform 520 within cassette 300.

FIG. 5B is an embodiment of platform 520 in which support bars 506 a-c are provided. Additional or fewer support bars can also be used, in the same and/or similar location as shown in FIG. 5B, and/or in a different area(s) of bottom surface 303. Support bars 506 a-c can be provided, for example, to minimize bending of platform 520, and cassette 300 generally. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, support bar 506 a can include or can have associated therewith guide blocks 502 a and 502 c. Similarly, support bar 506 b can include or have associated therewith guide block 502 b. Likewise, support bar 506 c can include or have associated therewith guide block 502 d.

Supports 508 a-d can provide contact areas for lift mechanism arms (one lift arm mechanism for each of supports 508 a-d) to raise and lower platform 520. Supports 508 a-d can also serve to distribute the plate sheet 106 load.

Platform 520 may also have a hole 510 that may be used to detect whether a plate sheet 106 is on the top of the stack, an interleaf sheet is on the top of the stack, or that nothing is on platform 520. For example, a standard reflective-type sensor can be placed on apparatus 104. The sensor can be positioned to detect or “read” light reflected from a plate sheet 106 or interleaf sheet. If a plate sheet 106 is on the top of the stack, a first signal will be reflected back to the sensor. If an interleaf sheet is on the top of the stack, a second type of signal will be reflected back to the sensor. If neither a plate sheet 106 nor an interleaf sheet is on platform 520, hole 510 will be exposed, thereby providing a third signal to the sensor, indicating that nothing is on platform 520.

FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart 200 in which door 602 and door 604 are in a closed position. Door 602 can be, for example, a sliding door. Door 604 can be, for example, a hinged door. Door 604 can pivot clockwise about axis 610, to expose and provide access to a portion of platform 520. Door 604 can rest on shelf 406 when platform 520 is exposed. At the leading edge 606 of door 602, an identifier assembly 612 using standard sensor technology can be provided that can be used to identify different sizes and/or types of plate sheets 106 for CTP imaging system 106. Within the identifier assembly 612, a plurality of white stripes can be read by a sensor to determine the model of cassette 300. For example, the three white stripes can yield a total of eight (2³=8) possible types of cassettes 300. Of course, fewer or more white stripes can be used (e.g., 2 white stripes would yield a possibility of four different cassettes 300, and 4 white stripes would yield a possibility of 16 different cassettes 300). By knowing the type/model of cassette 300, a control system used in conjunction with system 100 can know, for example, the maximum distance of platform 520 to the top of cassette 300, and other mechanical characteristics and/or relationships of cassette 300 that may be used to facilitate operation thereof. Doors 602, 604, in combination with supports 508 a-d and cassette 300 walls, provide a substantially light tight enclosure for image plates 106 within cassette 300.

FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200 which door 602 is slid in the direction of arrow 608, thereby exposing a portion of platform 520. Door 602 can be slid over and contained by door 604 when door 604 is in a position as shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200 in which door 602 and door 604 are displaced to expose platform 520. Plate sheets 106 (not shown) can be placed in cassette 300. Adjustable plate stops 304 a-c can be adjusted to accommodate various sides of plate sheets 106. FIG. 7B shows an alternative view of imaging cassette cart 200 with platform 520.

FIG. 7C shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200 that has a through slots 704 a, 704 b respectively within walls 312, 310. Through slots 704 a, 704 b allow platform 520 to move up and down within cassette 300. In particular, each of the slots (e.g., 704 a, 704 b) receive one of guide blocks 502 a-d, as discussed in connection with FIG. 5A. The “MAX” fill label determines the maximum plate stack 106 (not shown) fill height.

FIG. 7D shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200 showing plate sheet 106 on platform 520, with platform 520 in a substantially raised position within cassette 300. Plate stops 304 a-c are positioned such that they are nominally spaced away from plate sheets 106. A nominal spacing will generally hold plate sheets 106 in place, and also minimize or eliminate friction between plate sheets 106 and plate stops 304 a-c when plate sheets 106 are removed from cassette 300 by apparatus 104.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. While the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example of preferred embodiments, numerous modifications, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the following claims. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: a mobile cart assembly; a cassette tray, adapted for use with the mobile cart assembly, comprising: a plurality of sides, each side comprising a through slot; and a bottom surface comprising: i) a first plurality of slots sized to receive a respective plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within the first plurality of slots, and ii) a second plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of lift arms; a platform comprising: i) a same plurality of sides as the cassette tray, and ii) a same first plurality of slots as the bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots of the bottom surface; wherein the platform is positioned within the cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms; and a plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the plurality of sides of the platform, sized to fit in the through slots, to facilitate movement of the platform within the cassette tray.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first door, contacting at least two of the plurality of sides, and covering at least a portion of the platform.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first door slides in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the cart assembly to respectively expose and cover at least a portion of the platform.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second door, contacting at least one of the plurality of sides, covering at least a portion of the platform.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second door rotates about an axis in a first direction and a second direction to respectively expose and cover at least a portion of the platform.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first door that rotates about an axis in a first direction and a second direction to respectively expose and cover at least a portion of the platform.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rails that contact a first side of the platform to facilitate insertion and removal of the cassette into and out of the cart assembly.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a plurality of detents contacting the first side of the platform.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of detents facilitate positioning of the cassette cart with respect to an imaging system.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support bars that contact a first side of the platform, wherein at least one of the plurality of guide blocks are coupled to each of the plurality of support bars.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support bars that contact a first side of the platform, wherein each of the plurality of support bars comprise at least one guide block.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first side of the platform has coupled thereto a plurality of support covers respectively positioned to contact the plurality of lift arms.
 13. A method, comprising: providing a cassette tray, adapted for use with the mobile cart assembly, comprising: a plurality of sides, each side comprising a through slot; and a bottom surface comprising: i) a first plurality of slots sized to receive a respective plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within the plurality of slots, and ii) a second plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of lift arms; providing a platform comprising: i) a same plurality of sides as the cassette tray, and ii) a same first plurality of slots as the bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots of the bottom surface; wherein the platform is positioned within the cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms; and providing a plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the plurality of sides of the platform, sized to fit in the through slots, to facilitate movement of the platform within the cassette.
 14. An apparatus, comprising: a cassette tray, comprising: a plurality of sides, each side comprising a through slot; and a bottom surface comprising: i) a first plurality of slots sized to receive a respective plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within the first plurality of slots, and ii) a second plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of lift arms; a platform comprising: i) a same plurality of sides as the cassette tray, and ii) a same first plurality of slots as the bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots of the bottom surface; wherein the platform is positioned within the cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms; and a plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the plurality of sides of the platform, sized to fit in the through slots, to facilitate movement of the platform within the cassette tray. 